Pioneer RT 707 meter lights out

[Nick Danger]

So I have an opportunity to acquire an RT 707. Everything works but no VU meter lights- any thoughts?

 

[BubbaH]

I'd buy it... Love those decks.

 

[NavLinear]

Those are beauties. If everything else works than replacing some bulbs should be straight forward. I forget his name but there is an AK'er that sells replacement filament bulbs.

 

[Nick Danger]

I have heard that there is an LED upgrade that you can do as well. Does anybody know if I have to open VU meters to get at bulbs?

 

[eminence1963]

I have 2 of them. IMO best 7 inch deck out there.
The leds are for the fwd rev indicatores only. Never heard of mods to the meters with LED's.
Not saying it cant be done though.

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[Elite-ist]

Just to give you a monetary perspective, Douglas, Pioneer RT-707s sell at Innovative Audio in the $425 price range without Pioneer metal take-up reels. That's with a 30 day warranty and fully serviced. They always sell quickly. Any other information about the RT-707, you might buy, concerning its past history or any service records?

Nando.

 

[Nick Danger]

Just to give you a monetary perspective, Douglas, Pioneer RT-707s sell at Innovative Audio in the $425 price range without Pioneer metal take-up reels. That's with a 30 day warranty and fully serviced. They always sell quickly. Any other information about the RT-707, you might buy, concerning its past history or any service records?

Nando.

Original owner who claims it has been sitting for 2 decades. Not sure of any service that has been done to it. He fired it up and everything is working save for the lights being out on VU meters. No original box, take- up reel or manual, but it does come with a TEAC 7" metal reel that will be perfect for my X 700R. Bit of a drive(70 miles) but almost all highway.

I figure down the road, a correct reel will present itself. Between the gas and the deck, I will be into for $125 which seems reasonable. Add to that the cost to buy new bulbs(if that is the issue)...might be worth it.

 

[Elite-ist]

Did you have to look hard to find this one? Original owner deck - I like that part already. Perhaps, you should bring your headphones and a reel you've recorded to at least try the playback. $125 doesn't seem out of line at this time provided the VU meter illumination is the only issue. Don't forget to ask for any open-reel tapes he might have if this is his only R2R. Good luck and keep us posted.

Nando.

 

[BubbaH]

Yeah, Id jump at one of those for around 125.

 

[Nick Danger]

Did you have to look hard to find this one? Original owner deck - I like that part already. Perhaps, you should bring your headphones and a reel you've recorded to at least try the playback. $125 doesn't seem out of line at this time provided the VU meter illumination is the only issue. Don't forget to ask for any open-reel tapes he might have if this is his only R2R. Good luck and keep us posted.

Nando.

Yeah, Id jump at one of those for around 125.

I run a wanted to buy ad every few days on my local Craiglist and every now and then it pays off. Usually these sell for $150- 250 out here, so when he said $100, I told him I might be interested.

Gonna bring tape, headphones and some stuff to clean heads and pinch rollers up a little.

He has some additional gear he is looking to unload along with some vinyl. Might come home with a bit more stuff.

 

[Elite-ist]

You are diligently working on the Wish List within your signature, Douglas. Do you remember me saying in another thread how the RT-707 would be one of the first items for you to cross off your Wish List? You look like you are prepared well enough for a demo of the deck. And, yes, most likely you will come home with more than you originally drove out for. It's about saving money on gas... right? What I find quite often with purchases of vintage gear, especially original-owner components, the seller takes pride in knowing his gear is going to a home where it will be used and appreciated. If you hit it off well with the seller, you most likely will do better than you expected. How soon before you make the trip?

Nando.

 

[Nick Danger]

You are diligently working on the Wish List within your signature, Douglas. Do you remember me saying in another thread how the RT-707 would be one of the first items for you to cross off your Wish List? You look like you are prepared well enough for a demo of the deck. And, yes, most likely you will come home with more than you originally drove out for. It's about saving money on gas... right? What I find quite often with purchases of vintage gear, especially original-owner components, the seller takes pride in knowing his gear is going to a home where it will be used and appreciated. If you hit it off well with the seller, you most likely will do better than you expected. How soon before you make the trip?

Nando.

Hard to work on a list that always seems to be growing, Nando. I am trying to only look for gear on my wish list, but things always seem to follow me home. He did mention something about a Carver pre, gear rack, dbx. Dbx, dbx, dbx, hmm?

I think the current owner knows that I will put any gear I get to good use or find a good home for it. Gonna make the trip tomorrow morning and will be sure to keep ya posted.

 

[Northwinds]

Hard to work on a list that always seems to be growing, Nando. I am trying to only look for gear on my wish list, but things always seem to follow me home. He did mention something about a Carver pre, gear rack, dbx. Dbx, dbx, dbx, hmm?

I think the current owner knows that I will put any gear I get to good use or find a good home for it. Gonna make the trip tomorrow morning and will be sure to keep ya posted.

Doug, if your going to part with any of the dbx stuff, LMK if it needs a good home

 

[Nick Danger]

Doug, if your going to part with any of the dbx stuff, LMK if it needs a good home

Will do, Ron.

 

[Elite-ist]

It sounds like he has some very interesting gear to sell. If the dbx gear includes a dynamic range expander, route selector, or any of the NR units you might consider something within your budget. If he has one of these - a dbx 2020, even, I would be interested:

Nando.

 

[Nick Danger]

Picked up the 707 today. The guy had some other things for sale that you kids might want. The owner's brother told me I could pass on his phone number if anyone was interested:

Pricing was $50- 200, may be some haggle room. The Rotel 3- head tape looked pretty sweet.

 

[laatsch55]

Those are beauties. If everything else works than replacing some bulbs should be straight forward. I forget his name but there is an AK'er that sells replacement filament bulbs.

dwojo, solid man, I have his e-mail address if ya need it.

 

[Elite-ist]

Lee: You are first up to bat. Some great components there, Douglas. You have to fill us in on the rest of your day once you can. The Rotel cassette deck is intriguing.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

The 1000 SerII is a beaut, but not as good as the original 1000. The 4000 is ....well..... a 4000.......

 

[Northwinds]

Wow, I am totally interested in the Carver preamp if it's available